NELSON K
The lack of reliable electricity has significantly disrupted the operations of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) in Rugarama Sub-county, Ntungamo District. This has forced local leaders and residents to fund fuel and borrow generators to power NIRA services.
Rugarama LC3 Chairperson, Ivan Rwanyakibale, told our reporter that electricity has been a longstanding challenge in the area, leaving residents with limited options such as relying on solar energy and generators.
“As local leaders and residents, we hired a generator and bought fuel to supply power for the smooth running of NIRA services since we have no hydroelectricity in our area,” Rwanyakibale explained. He added that sub-counties without electricity have been forced to travel long distances to neighboring sub-counties or district headquarters for registration services.
Barack Katwara, one of the NIRA officers in Rugarama, confirmed that the electricity scarcity has severely hindered their ability to perform duties effectively. He also pointed out another challenge: a lack of awareness among some residents about the importance of NIRA registration.
Ham Atwiine, another registration officer, shared similar sentiments. He acknowledged that the electricity scarcity prompted the LC3 Chairperson and residents to contribute and borrow a generator, along with purchasing fuel, to ensure NIRA services could continue without interruption.
